ACTIVATOR LINEUP & BRIGHTENING ACTIVATOR REVIEW

With ingredients like Acai (antioxidant), Coconut (hydration), Watercress (detoxifying) and Yogurt (probiotic), SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone (yes, that Dr. Perricone) is a unique skin care brand that utilizes the “superpowers” of nutrition’s Superfoods. In all honesty, I think the actual consumption of these Superfoods would better serve the complexion in the long run – although these products do combine proven skin care ingredients to boost results.

Acitvators are the newest additions to SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone lineup. Basically glorified (and rightfully so) toners, these liquid skin care primers are geared toward specific skin care concerns. I was tempted to say “If it looks like a toner and applies like a toner, then its a toner”. Not so. The packaging is brilliant – simple, colorful and in a pump bottle. Love that. The individual ingredient lists are also impressive – and I chose to pick up the Brightening Activator to give my work-weary skin a little boost.

Let’s take a closer look at the SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Brightening Activator and quickly visit the other 3 lovely formulations as well.

Ferulic Acid: Found in seeds of plants like rice, wheat and oats as well as in coffee, apple, orange, etc. Acai oil from the Acai palm is also rich in ferulic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant that can boost the effectiveness of Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and Vitamin E. Where have you heard of Ferulic Acid? In Skinceutical’s wildly popular (and effective) C E Ferulic Serum.

Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract: Also known as Indian Gooseberry or Amla extract, it is used as a skin conditioner.

the REVIEW (10/02/2011):SUPER by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Brightening Activator has possibly changed my opinion about “toners” and this ever-so-slightly pink liquid is definitely not just a toner. Brightening Activator has a standard watery texture, a very mild scent and no alcohol. The glycolic and lactic acids lends a slight “tingle”, typical of AHAs.

Since my skin was rebelling from wearing makeup for over 12 hours a day for the last week (been busy), choosing this over the Firming or Moisturizing (there’s also a Clarifying Activator which is not available at Sephora yet) was a no brainer. My skin was tired, dull, bumpy and just in a sad state.

While its possibly the introduction of an actual acid to my skin care (I normally stick to enzyme or physical exfoliators), my skin definitely had a glow back by morning. I was also noticeably less oily during the day (dare I say – not oily enough?) and didn’t need to touch up my makeup.

the FINAL ROAR!: This is a great product for those who need a bit of a boost – or to reset dull, dreary skin that is being stubbornly resistant to skin care. I’ll probably just use this a few times a week at night to “take the day off” on days when don’t use a scrub or peel. I’ll likely purchase the other formulations, line them up on my vanity and use them as needed. Did I mention the candy toned packaging?

MOISTURIZING ACTIVATOR ($38) -The Moisturizing Activator delivers multiple benefits, including nourishing skin with optimal levels of omega 3 with chia oil, gently exfoliating with glycolic acid and lactic acid, and increases softness to lock in moisture with ceramides. Great for all skin types, including dry skin.

Xylitol: A sugar alcohol which modest evidence (it hasn’t been tested on humans) has been found to increase collagen synthesis and reduce glycation of skin collagen (glycation leads to skin aging). Source: smartskincare.com

CLARIFYING ACTIVATOR ($38) – An advanced exfoliating liquid that is loaded with Quercetin, malic and salicylic acid helps to clear pores, reduce redness and prevent breakouts. Best for combination to oily skin types.

Quercetin: Made popular by Korres, Quercetin is in the flavenoid family and found in a wide range of plants (red onion, capers, apples, cherries, etc.) and is used in skin care as an antioxidant and may enhance the effects of vitamin C. Source: skincareproducts.com

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil: Otherwise known as Roman or English Chamomile. The oil from this plant is used as a fragrance ingredient or skin-conditioning agent. Source: cosmeticsinfo.org.